Can Tsabalaka apprehend Souleymane?

There is more than the three points at stake in this anticipated epic clash between the two known rivals.In fact, the rivalry dates back to 2002 at the Prince of Wales when supporters of both clubs clashed after an interesting 3-3 draw. That season, the Weslians came from behind to snatch a miraculous point after the Skomboys had gone 3-1 with 15 minutes to go. The dearly departed Patrick ‘Nkola’ Mkhwanazi kicked an Umbelebele fan who was delaying with a stray ball, and the violence scenes erupted as both sets of fans clashed. The ‘Weslians’ returned to force an equaliser when the match resumed after 20 minutes with Mxolisi ‘Stopper’ Mthethwa spearheading the dramatic comeback.

There were more clashes after the game at the city centre. Last season, Wanderers who were earlier beaten 3-0 in the Top Lotto PLS Cup quarter finals, were awarded all three points after Inkiliva had twice failed to honour a second round league match. The points took the maroon and white side to the fourth place of the log standing. But this time, as Umbelebele PRO Ray Msibi has commented, nothing will be mahhala.Both teams approach the game with knocks after losing to Young Buffaloes and Mbabane Swallows respectively. Two players will come to fore this weekend, and they are Umbelebele’s Malian Under 20 striker Diabate Souleymane and Zimbabwean dreadlocked Elias Tsabalaka, who will clash head on for the duration of the match. The Malian forward has enjoyed rave reviews since upsetting Royal Leopards late September and he comes against another dependable defender in Tsabalaka who is a hard nut to break at Weslians rearguard.

DIABATE SOULEYMANE (UMBELEBELE):He has speed, power and the brain box to unlock any compact defence. He also possesses deft touches and unmatched composure when inside the box. The player who was shipped by Jomo Cosmos to the country is already described as the best foreign player by a number of local coaches. Mhlambanyatsi Rovers’ Gcina Dlamini and Zenzele ‘Ace’ Dlamini of Young Buffaloes spoke highly of the player who has netted three times in the league this season. More than anything, the quicksilver frontman is a textbook example of a team player, given the number of assists to budding goal scoring team mate Zweli Nxumalo who has five league goals so far.He never rests until after the final whistle and Tsabalaka would have to be at his element best to bottle him down.

ELIAS TSABALAKA (WANDERERS):The dreadlocked hard tackling defender has that intimidating presence at the Wanderers defence. He has gained valuable experience over the years in the team, such that he is now mentioned amongst the league’s finest centre backs. The combative player is also very good on the air both defensively and offensively. His work rate is equal to none, but would have to cut down on his recklessness at times when under pressure. Has been to similar situation and has passed with flying colours – remember his SwaziBank Cup battle with the deadly Royal Leopards Mfanzile ‘Fash’ Dlamini. Any player who matches the marauding ‘Fash’ cannot be underrated.

He is one player you can trust to bottle down the marauding Souleymane who is currently the headache to many opposition players and coaches alike.